Rochester Public Utilities | Blog

Archive for June, 2017

RPU warns of utility scams this summer- Beware of scam callers!

Thursday, June 29th, 2017

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) has heard from customers that scam calls are being made to some RPU customers. RPU staff has collected information regarding the scam from customers to share with all RPU customers and the Rochester community.

The Scam –The callers are targeting commercial customers, but residential customers need to be vigilant as well. A caller states that they are from RPU’s disconnect department and that you are past due. They say that if payment isn’t paid over the phone, then you will be disconnected. Be aware though, that sophisticated technology and newer phone systems can mimic the look of an RPU phone number.

Payment Method Requested – The caller usually will require you to purchase a pre-paid debit card and to provide the number of the card over the phone. Sometimes a credit card over the phone will be requested. Payments from a pre-paid debit card cannot be reversed. In one instance, a person showed up at a business to try to collect.

Identifying a Scam – RPU will never request bank or secure personal information from you over the phone unless you ask to discuss your account. The RPU representative will then ask for information to identify who you are.

What to do if you receive a scam call:

  • If someone calls threatening to cut off your power if you don’t pay, hang up.
  • Call RPU at 507.280.1500 to report the scam.
  • Never give personal or financial information to an unknown caller.
  • Remember that RPU will never use threatening language or make forceful demands for payment.

If you ever feel pressured or feel that something is not right, hang up and call RPU directly at 507.280.1500.

About Rochester Public Utilities

As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for more than 110 years, RPU provides high-quality and reliable electricity to over 50,000 customers.  Water customers number more than 37,000.  RPU continually investigates innovative technologies to help customers realize the best value from the services they receive.  Current initiatives include fuel cell research, wind power, and photovoltaic offerings.

 

 

 

###

Rochester Public Utilities announces Community Solar Program and Kickoff Informational Meetings

Wednesday, June 7th, 2017

Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) announces a new community solar program named SOLARCHOICE.

The SOLARCHOICE community solar program is an alternative to rooftop solar. It allows residential customers the opportunity to join in the solar movement without having to install solar on their property. It opens up solar participation to customers who:

  • Want to participate in solar but are unable to do so due to current restrictions.
  • Share a passion for solar energy resources and believe community solar is right for them.

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), nationwide, only 25% of residential rooftops are suitable for solar, so rooftop solar is not an option for these customers. Community solar generally requires a lower upfront cost, eliminates the installation hassle, and removes the burden and risk of ongoing maintenance. Larger, utility-scale solar gardens capture economies of scale that are then passed on to program participants.

Instead of putting panels on their own roof, customers subscribe to a large solar project called a community solar garden with thousands of panels. Customers purchase subscriptions, along with many other residents who share their commitment to renewable energy, for the energy produced by one or more panels in the community solar garden. Each month the customer receives an energy (kWh) credit for the solar electricity generated by the subscribed panel(s) for the term of the subscriptions. RPU will offer a 12-year subscription plan for $650 per panel. Each panel is expected to average 501 kWh per year.

“After gathering research and listening to our customers about their desire for renewable energy options, we are proud to offer SOLARCHOICE”, said RPU General Manager Mark Kotschevar.

The SOLARCHOICE community solar garden is planned to be built in Princeton, MN on a site near the municipal airport once 25% of the planned community solar garden is under subscription by customers of RPU and other SMMPA Member utilities.

Customers who want to learn more about SOLARCHOICE community solar can attend one of the informational meetings scheduled for June 15 from 6-7pm or June 20 from 1-2pm at the RPU Service Center (4000 East River Road NE). Additional information can also be found at www.rpu.org.

About Rochester Public Utilities

As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for more than 110 years, RPU provides high-quality and reliable electricity to over 50,000 customers.  Water customers number more than 36,000.  RPU continually investigates innovative technologies to help customers realize the best value from the services they receive.  Current initiatives include fuel cell research, wind power, and photovoltaic offerings.

 

###